U.S. patent number 5,949,345 [Application Number 08/863,377] was granted by the patent office on 1999-09-07 for displaying computer information to a driver of a vehicle.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Microsoft Corporation. Invention is credited to Richard D. Beckert, Mark M. Moeller, Li Zhou.
United States Patent |
5,949,345 |
Beckert , et al. |
September 7, 1999 |
Displaying computer information to a driver of a vehicle
Abstract
A vehicle computer system includes a display device that is
configurable for viewing by a driver of a vehicle while the vehicle
is moving. The display device is responsive to a processor that
executes application programs in conjunction with an operating
system. A plurality of sensors are used to indicate the position of
the display device, to indicate vehicle motion, and to indicate the
state of a chosen vehicle control such as a parking brake.
Application programs open display windows in conjunction with the
operating system. In opening a window, an application program can
indicate whether the window will contain driving-related
information. The operating system monitors the sensors and prevents
the display of non-driving-related windows to the driver when the
vehicle is in motion or when it has the potential for motion.
Specifically, the operating system in such a situation hides any
windows that have not been specified as being driving-related.
Initially, all windows are assumed to contain non-driver related
information; hence, they are hidden until it is determined what
type of information they display.
Inventors: |
Beckert; Richard D. (Lake
Stevens, WA), Moeller; Mark M. (Des Moines, WA), Zhou;
Li (Bellevue, WA) |
Assignee: |
Microsoft Corporation (Redmond,
WA)
|
Family
ID: |
25341008 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/863,377 |
Filed: |
May 27, 1997 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/815.41;
340/439; 340/461; 348/837 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C
21/36 (20130101); B60R 16/0231 (20130101); G01C
21/265 (20130101); G01D 7/002 (20130101); B60K
35/00 (20130101); B60K 2370/152 (20190501); B60K
2370/11 (20190501) |
Current International
Class: |
B60K
35/00 (20060101); G01C 21/34 (20060101); G01D
7/00 (20060101); G01C 21/36 (20060101); B60R
16/02 (20060101); G08B 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;340/439,459,461,462,525,441,466,815.41 ;701/29,32 ;348/837
;353/13,14 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
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0 672 892 A1 |
|
Sep 1995 |
|
EP |
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0 771 686 A2 |
|
May 1997 |
|
EP |
|
Primary Examiner: Hofsass; Jeffery A.
Assistant Examiner: La; Anh
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lee & Hayes, PLLC
Claims
We claim:
1. A vehicle computer system comprising:
a processor that is capable of executing application programs;
a display device that is configurable for viewing by a driver of a
vehicle while the vehicle is moving, the display device being
responsive to the processor;
an operating system that is executed by the processor;
the operating system being configured to prevent display of
non-driving-related information from the application program to the
driver when the vehicle is moving;
wherein the operating system allows application programs to
designate certain information as being driving-related so that such
information is displayed on the display device even when the
vehicle is moving.
2. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein:
the operating system allows application programs to open display
windows on the display device;
the application programs specify attributes relating to such
windows; and
such attributes include an indication of whether the windows
contain driving-related information.
3. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein the
display device is moveable between a first position in which it is
viewable by the driver and a second position in which it is not
viewable by the driver, the vehicle computer system further
comprising:
a sensor that indicates when the display device is moved to its
first position;
wherein the sensor is connected to be read by the processor.
4. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein the
display device is moveable between a first position in which it is
viewable by the driver and a second position in which it is not
viewable by the driver, the vehicle computer system further
comprising:
a sensor that indicates when the display device is moved to its
second position;
wherein the sensor is connected to be read by the processor;
wherein the operating system is further configured to allow display
of non-driving-related information on the display device when the
display device is moved to its second position.
5. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein the
operating system is further configured to allow display of
non-driving-related information to the driver when the vehicle is
not moving.
6. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 1, further
comprising;
one or more sensors that detect when the vehicle is moving;
wherein the operating system is responsive to the one or more
sensors to allow display of non-driving-related information to the
driver when the vehicle is not moving.
7. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 1, further
comprising;
a first sensor that detects when the vehicle is moving;
a second sensor that detects a vehicle control state indicating a
potential for vehicle movement;
wherein the operating system is responsive to the sensors to allow
display of non-driving-related information to the driver when both
of the following conditions are true: (a) the first sensor
indicates that the vehicle is not moving and (b) the second sensor
indicates that there is no potential for vehicle movement.
8. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein the
operating system is configured to prevent display of
non-driving-related information on the display device only when the
display device is configured for viewing by the driver.
9. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein:
the operating system is configured to allow display of
non-driving-related information to the driver when the vehicle is
not moving; and
the operating system is configured to allow display of
non-driving-related information on the display device when the
display device is not configured for viewing by the driver.
10. A vehicle computer system comprising:
a processor that is capable of executing application programs;
a display device that is configurable for viewing by a driver of a
vehicle while the vehicle is moving, the display device being
responsive to the processor;
a first sensor that indicates when the display device is configured
for viewing by the driver;
at least a second sensor that indicates when the vehicle is
moving;
an operating system that is executed by the processor;
the operating system being responsive to the sensors to allow
display of non-driving-related information on the display device
only when either of the following conditions are true: (a) the
display is not configured for viewing by the driver or (b) the
vehicle is not moving;
wherein the operating system allows application programs to
designate certain information as being driving-related so that such
information is displayed on the display device even when neither of
the conditions are true.
11. A vehicle computer system as recited in claim 10, wherein:
the operating system allows application programs to open display
windows on the display device;
the application programs specify attributes relating to such
windows; and
such attributes indicate whether the windows contain
driving-related information.
12. A computer-readable storage medium containing an application
program that is to be executed by a vehicle computer system, the
application program having instructions for performing steps
comprising:
interacting with an operating system to open one or more display
windows;
indicating to the operating system whether respective windows are
driving-related and whether the windows are to be displayed to the
driver when the vehicle is moving, wherein non-driving-related
windows are not to be displayed to a driver of a vehicle when the
vehicle is moving.
13. A computer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 12,
wherein the indicating step comprises setting an attribute when
opening a window to indicate that the window is
driving-related.
14. A computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that
are executable by a computer system on a vehicle to perform steps
comprising:
opening windows in response to requests by application programs,
wherein the requests indicate whether the windows contain
driving-related information;
detecting when the vehicle is moving;
preventing display of non-driving-related information to the driver
when the vehicle is moving;
allowing display of non-driving-related information on the display
device when the display device is not viewable by the driver.
15. A computer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 14,
wherein the detecting step comprises responding to more than one
sensor.
16. A computer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 14,
wherein the detecting step comprises responding to at least two
sensors, a first of the sensors indicating vehicle motion, a second
of the sensors indicating a potential for vehicle movement.
17. A method of displaying information to a driver of a vehicle,
comprising the following steps:
submitting requests to an operating system to open display windows
on a display device in a vehicle;
indicating in the requests whether the respective windows contain
driving-related information;
displaying only windows containing driving-related information to
the driver when the vehicle is moving, and allowing display of
windows containing non-driving-related information on the display
device when the display device is not viewable by the driver.
18. A method as recited in claim 17, further comprising the
following additional steps:
detecting a vehicle control state indicating a potential for
vehicle movement;
preventing display of windows containing non-driving-related
information to the driver when the vehicle control state indicates
a potential for vehicle movement.
19. A method as recited in claim 17, further comprising the
following additional steps:
detecting when the vehicle is in a park setting;
preventing display of windows containing non-driving-related
information to the driver when the vehicle is in the park
setting.
20. A method as recited in claim 17, further comprising the
following additional steps:
detecting when the vehicle has its parking brake set;
allowing display of windows containing non-driving-related
information to the driver when the vehicle has its parking brake
set.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to systems for preventing display of
distracting materials to a driver of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computers and other computer-like entertainment devices are being
developed for installation and/or use in automobiles. Such devices
can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from entertainment
to the control of basic automobile functions. Two patent
applications filed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.
disclose a device intended for automobile use: the US Patent
Application entitled "Vehicle Computer System," Ser. No.
08/564,586, filed Nov. 29, 1995; and the US Patent Application
entitled "Vehicle Computer System with High Speed Data Buffer and
Serial Interconnect," Ser. No. 08/668,781, filed Jun. 24, 1996. The
device described in these applications potentially incorporates a
variety of components, such as a radio, cell phone, CD player, etc.
In addition, the device is designed to execute user-provided
application programs. Such programs might be used for
entertainment, for business, or for practical functions such as
navigation.
Visual or graphical output of such devices might create a
distraction for a driver of a vehicle, thereby impairing his or her
ability to drive safely. Furthermore, laws in the United States and
elsewhere restrict the types of graphical materials which can
legally be presented to a driver. Some laws prohibit any type of
graphical display while the vehicle is in motion. Others prohibit
certain information from being displayed whenever there is a
potential for movement--such as when the parking brake is released
or when the vehicle's transmission is not in "park." Some laws
prohibit only entertainment materials or information, while
allowing more utilitarian information, such as navigational aids,
to be displayed to the driver at any time.
Because of concerns relating to safety and legality, it had been
thought that the opportunities for graphical output in conjunction
with automobile computers would be quite limited. However, the
inventors have developed a way to display useful information to a
driver and to other automobile occupants, while remaining within
the safety and legal constraints described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention utilizes a plurality of sensors to detect the
position of a display device, to detect vehicle movement, and
possibly to monitor a vehicle control such as the parking brake or
the transmission shift linkage. When the display device is turned
away from the driver, any type of information is allowed to be
displayed. Similarly, when the vehicle is stopped and has its
parking brake set or is in "park," any type of information is
allowed to be displayed even if the display device is turned toward
the driver. When these conditions are not met, however, only
non-driving-related information is allowed to be displayed.
The operating system enforces the limitation on displayed
information by assuming initially that all information is not
driving-related. Individual application programs, however, can
designate certain information to be driving-related, and the
operating system will then display such information to the driver
even when the vehicle is moving.
Application programs make such a designation when requesting a
window from the operating system. As part of a request, the
application program supplies an attribute indicating that a window
has information that relates to driving.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an example of a vehicle computer system in accordance
with the invention.
FIG. 2 shows pertinent components of the vehicle computer system in
block form.
FIG. 3 is an information flow diagram illustrating the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows a vehicle computer system 20 according to one
implementation of the invention. Vehicle computer system 20 has a
centralized computer 22 coupled to various peripheral devices
including a display device or monitor 24, security sensors 26,
motion sensors 27, a vehicle diagnostic interface 28, speakers 30,
vehicle battery 32, and antenna(s) 34. The computer 22 is assembled
in a housing 36 that is sized to be mounted in a vehicle dashboard,
similar to a conventional car stereo. Preferably, the housing 36
has a form factor of a single DIN (Deutsche Industry Normen).
Alternatively, it could be housed in a 2 DIN unit or other special
form factor customized for an OEM.
The computer 22 uses an open hardware platform and operating system
combination, to support multiple applications. Various software
applications and hardware peripherals can be produced by
independent vendors and subsequently installed after purchase of
the computer system or vehicle. This is advantageous in that the
software applications do not need to be dedicated to specially
designed systems. The open architecture preferably utilizes a
multitasking operating system that employs a graphical user
interface. One preferred operating system is a Windows.RTM. brand
operating system sold by Microsoft Corporation, such as Windows
95.RTM., Windows NT.RTM., Windows CE.RTM., or other derivative
versions of Windows.RTM.. A multitasking operating system allows
simultaneous execution of multiple applications.
The computer 22 includes at least one storage drive which permits
the vehicle user to download programs and data from a digital
storage medium. In the illustrated implementation, the computer 22
has a CD-ROM drive 38 which reads application-related CDs, as well
as musical, video, game, or other types of entertainment CDs. In
this manner, the CD-ROM drive 38 performs a dual role of storage
drive and entertainment player. Also, a hard disk drive (not shown)
may be included for storing both application programs and user
data. A system without a hard disk will contain applications,
normally stored in flash memory, ROM, or DRAM, and user data stored
in DRAM. The computer 22 has an optional 3.5" floppy diskette drive
40, a smart card reader 42, and dual PCMCIA card sockets 44 which
accept PCMCIA card types I, II and III.
The storage drives are mounted in a stationary base unit 46 of
housing 36. The base unit 46 is constructed and sized to be fixedly
mounted in the dashboard. The housing 36 also has a faceplate 48
which is pivotally mounted to the front of the base unit 46. The
faceplate can be rotated to permit easy and convenient access to
the storage drives.
Computer 22 has a keypad 52 and a display 54 on the faceplate 48.
The display 54 is preferably a back lit LCD. The operating system
executing on computer 22 controls the faceplate keys 52 and the
faceplate display 54 as peripheral devices when the faceplate is
attached to the base unit. Additionally, the computer contains a
voice recognition engine and a microphone conveniently located to
permit the user to verbally enter commands in a hands-free,
eyes-free environment. Voice commands can be used for controlling
most operating modes of the vehicle computing platform. The
computer 22 is also equipped with an IrDA (infrared developers
associations transceiver port 56 mounted on the faceplate 48 to
transmit and receive data and programs using infrared signals. The
entire faceplate unit 48 behaves as a multifunction peripheral to
the computing platform.
To load an application program or data onto the computer 22, the
vehicle user inserts a CD a diskette or connects to an Internet
service provide through a wireless link, if the application is not
already contained on the hard disk or internal memory, and the
operating system downloads the application or data therefrom. The
installation process can be automatically handled by the operating
system, or might require the assistance of commands input from the
user in the form of keyed sequences on the keypad 52 or verbal
instructions using the voice recognition device. Another technique
to load data or applications or transfer data with other computing
devices is through the use of the IrDA transceiver port 56.
The computer 22 can output visual data to the LCD 54 at the
faceplate, or to the standalone display device 24. Display device
24 is preferably a small flat panel display (e.g., 6.4" screen)
that is movably mounted on a stand or yoke and remotely located
from the computer. Display device 24 may be configurable for
viewing by a driver of a vehicle while the vehicle is moving.
Specifically, the monitor may be movable between a first position
in which it is viewable by the driver, and a second position in
which it is not viewable by the driver--the movable monitor is
fully adjustable to different viewing positions that can be seen by
the driver or other passengers in the vehicle. Additionally, there
may be other fixed display devices in the vehicle that are either
visible or not visible by the driver.
In general, the vehicle computer system 20 can be used to integrate
multiple vehicle-related systems onto one open platform hardware
and software architecture. For instance, the vehicle computer
system 20 can serve as a multimedia entertainment system, a
navigation system, a communications system, a security system, and
a diagnostics system. Moreover, the vehicle computer system 20
provides additional functionality traditionally associated with
desktop and laptop personal computers. For instance, vehicle
computer system 20 can support word processing applications,
spreadsheet applications, database applications, and
appointment/schedule applications. Furthermore, the vehicle
computer system 20 can be configured to operate as a server to
other computing units in the vehicle to distribute games, video
movies, and the like to passengers.
The type of data displayed on monitor 24 can range widely from word
instructions concerning the vehicle's performance, to diagrammatic
directions used by the navigation system, to video movies for
in-car entertainment. For purposes of this description, information
to be displayed on the monitor is of two types--driving-related
information that is supportive and helpful to driving (e.g.,
diagnostics, navigation directions), and non-driving-related
information (e.g., video movies, games, broadcast television) that
would be distracting to the driver. In accordance with the
invention, only driving information is displayed to the driver of
the vehicle when the vehicle is moving or has the potential to
move.
The monitor 24 is equipped with a sensor or switch 58 which detects
and indicates to the computer system when the display device is
moved to its first or second positions--it indicates when the
display device is configured for viewing by the driver. In one
implementation, the switch is an electrical cylindrical switch
which closes when the display is capable of being viewed by the
driver.
Motion sensors 27 include one or more sensors that detect when the
vehicle is moving and when the vehicle is in a condition where
movement is possible or imminent. These sensors include an actual
motion sensor that detects actual vehicle movement. Examples of
sensors used for detecting vehicle motion include a speedometer, an
accelerometer, wheel motion sensors, etc. Another sensor, referred
to as a potential motion sensor, is configured in conjunction with
a vehicle control such as a parking brake or a transmission control
linkage. This sensor detects a control state indicating a potential
for vehicle movement. For example, this sensor might be a
mechanical switch connected to detect when a parking brake is set.
Alternatively, the potential motion sensor might detect when the
vehicle's transmission is in "park" or otherwise locked.
The various sensors are connected so that they can be read by
computer 22. In the described embodiment, there is a single
multi-conductor cable extending from computer 22 to display device
24. At a point near the display device, six conductors are split
from this cable and terminated at an electrical plug. The sensors
are connected to this plug. If these sensors are part of the
vehicle and available over diagnostic interface 28, then additional
sensors may not be required as the computer has access to the
vehicle's sensors.
Of the six conductors, two are for power and ground, respectively.
Limited power can be supplied for sensor operation at 5.0
volts.
The remaining four conductors are sensor inputs. One input is used
as a signal regarding whether anything is connected to the plug.
Whatever cable is used for connection to the plug is configured so
that this input will be activated simply by connecting to the
plug.
A second input is connected to display sensor 58. The third and
fourth inputs are connected to motion sensors 27. Some
configurations will not use the potential motion sensor. The system
is configured so that the absence of such a sensor will be
interpreted as an indication that there is no potential for
movement. In other words, absence of the sensor will result in a
signal that will be interpreted as if the vehicle has a parking
brake that is set. However, absence of the actual motion sensor is
interpreted to mean that the vehicle is moving.
Although 5V logic power is provided for the sensors, it is
anticipated that some sensors will use unregulated vehicle power
due to power requirements. Accordingly, all inputs utilize
protection circuitry to avoid damage to computer components. The
protection circuitry utilizes a low-pass filter in conjunction with
a Zener diode to ensure that input levels do not exceed 3.3 volts.
This ensures that the logic input to the computer (22) will work
with either 3.3V or 5V computer design.
FIG. 2 shows pertinent components of system 20 in block form.
System 20 has a processor 60 and one or more forms of
computer-readable storage media. Specifically, system 20 includes a
volatile memory 62 (e.g., RAM), and a non-volatile memory 64
interconnected by one or more internal buses. The non-volatile
memory 64 potentially includes integrated circuit chips (e.g., ROM,
EEPROM), disk drive(s) (e.g., floppy, optical, hard), or a
combination of both.
Display device 24 is connected to bus 66 through appropriate
hardware interface drivers (not shown), so that it responds to the
control of processor 60. Additionally, various other components of
FIG. 1, represented as I/O block 68, are connected through buses
and appropriate I/O ports. For more detail regarding the specific
configuration of this system, refer to the US Patent Application
entitled "Vehicle Computer System," Ser. No. 08/564,586, filed Nov.
29, 1995; and the US Patent Application entitled "Vehicle Computer
System with High Speed Data Buffer and Serial Interconnect," Ser.
No. 08/668,781, filed Jun. 24, 1996. Both of these applications are
hereby incorporated by reference.
System 20 runs an operating system 70, described above, which
supports multiple applications. Operating system 70 is stored in
non-volatile memory 64 and executes on processor 60. Operating
system 70 implements control logic for performing the functions and
steps described below. An application program 72 is also stored in
non-volatile memory 64. Processor 60 is capable of reading and
executing application program 72 in conjunction with operating
system 70.
In addition to the components described above, display sensor 58
and motion sensors 27 are connected to be read by processor 60 as
described above. That is, processor 60 can read whether or not the
sensors have been activated.
FIG. 3 shows communications between various elements of the system
described above. Software device drivers 90 are provided to
interface between hardware sensors 27, 58 and operating system 70.
The hardware sensors are connected through interface hardware (not
shown) to an interrupt input of processor 60, and the device
drivers are configured to respond to this interrupt. Device drivers
90 are therefore called whenever there is a change of state at one
of the sensor inputs. In response, the device drivers 90 query the
hardware sensors to determine their current state. The operating
system is notified of any changes. Thus, the operating system is
apprised of whether the display device 24 is configured for viewing
by the driver; whether the vehicle is moving; and whether the
parking brake is set or the transmission is in park.
The operating system, in accordance with well-known Windows.RTM.
programming techniques, allows application programs to open display
windows on display device 24. Application programs such as
application program 70 make specific requests to the operating
system to open various display windows. The operating system
creates the windows when requested, and returns information to the
requesting program so that the requesting program can write data to
the windows through the operating system.
In accordance with the invention, windows are created as either
driving-related windows, indicated by reference numeral 92, or as
non-driving-related windows, indicated by reference numeral 94.
The classification of certain windows as being "driving-related" or
"non-driving-related" is not made subjectively by the operating
system. Rather, application programs are allowed to designate
certain windows, and the information contained therein, as being
driving-related. If an application program does not specify a
particular window as being driving-related, the window is assumed
to be non-driving-related.
More specifically, applications written for execution in a
Windows.RTM. operating system specify a number of windows
attributes when requesting the creation of a window. For example,
such attributes include size, relative position in a screen, color,
etc. In accordance with the invention, these attributes are
extended to include an indication of whether a window contains
driving-related information. Specifically, an application can
provide a bit that indicates this characteristic of a window. If
the bit is set, the operating system treats the window as being
driving-related. If the bit is not set, the operating system treats
the window as being non-driving-related. If the bit is simply not
provided, meaning that the application program has not been
extended to take advantage of this feature, the operating system
assumes that the window is not driving-related.
The operating system is configured to prevent display of
non-driving-related information to the driver when the vehicle is
moving, but to allow the display of non-driving-related information
to the driver when the vehicle is not moving. More specifically,
the operating system is responsive to motion sensors 27 to allow
the display of non-driving-related windows whenever (a) the actual
motion sensor indicates that the vehicle is not moving and (b) the
potential motion sensor indicates that there is no potential for
vehicle movement. The operating system is alternatively responsive
to the display sensor to allow the display of non-driving-related
windows whenever the display device is not configured or positioned
for viewing by the driver.
Thus, driving-related information is displayed on the display
device at all times. Non-driving-related information is displayed
only when there is no potential for vehicle movement or when the
display device is turned away from the driver. The operating system
issues appropriate window hide and restore instructions to
non-driving-related windows so that they are displayed and hidden
at the appropriate times. Application programs are not involved in
this process--they continue to execute as if they have full control
of their windows.
While system 20 has been described primarily in terms of its
features and functionality, the invention also includes steps
performed by the operating system and the application program to
implement the invention. The operating system and application
program are conventionally stored on computer-readable storage
media such as electronic memory, optical memory, or magnetic-based
memory. The operating system will usually be stored in non-volatile
memory of system 20, while the application program might be
distributed on a portable storage medium such as a floppy disk,
CD-ROM, or a PC card. In either case, the storage medium contains
instructions for indicating the steps described below.
An application program in accordance with the invention performs
steps of interacting with the operating system to open one or more
display windows. Specifically, the application program submits
requests to the operating system to open display windows,
indicating in the requests whether respective windows contain
driving-related information. Even more specifically, the
application program provides and sets a specific attribute or style
bit when opening a window, to indicate that the window is
driving-related. If this attribute is not provided or is not set,
the operating system hides the window at times when the driver
might be distracted by the information contained therein.
The operating system performs steps of opening and displaying
windows on the display device in response to requests by the
application program. The operating system further performs a step
of responding to more than one sensor to detect when the vehicle is
moving and when it has the potential for movement (such as when the
parking brake is not set or when the vehicle is in gear).
The operating system performs further steps of preventing display
of non-driving-related information and windows to the driver when
the vehicle is moving or when the vehicle has the potential for
movement. However, the operating system allows the display of
non-driving-related information when the display device is turned
away from the driver. Display information is presented by hiding
any windows that have not been specified as driving-related.
The invention provides a convenient and efficient way to
discriminate between information that can safely be displayed to a
driver, and information that would be distracting. The invention
also provides an operating system with the information needed to
determine when otherwise distracting information can safely be
displayed.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in
language more or less specific as to structural and methodical
features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is
not limited to the specific features described, since the means
herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention
into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its
forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended
claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *